First look: 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

Holy mother of horsepower

by
Brian Harper, Postmedia News | September 8, 2011

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Milford, Mich • Horsepower may have been measured by the hoof when British Prime Minister William Pitt addressed the House of Lords in 1770 by stating “unlimited power is apt to corrupt the minds of those who possess it,” but it has an odd prescience here at the General Motors Proving Grounds outside of Detroit.

For it is power as measured by the Society of Automotive Engineers and applied in an unprecedented amount to the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 that has many of the assembled auto scribes — myself included — sorely tempted.

Unfortunately (or perhaps not), giving into the corrupting influence of 580 high-strung stallions from a supercharged 6.2-litre V8 engine is not in the cards today — General Motors has decreed that we may look and touch but not drive the to-be-built-in-Oshawa 2012 ZL1, which the automaker calls “the highest-performing [and fastest] Camaro and the most technically advanced car ever developed in its class.”

Approximately 30% of the Camaro SS was re-engineered for higher performance in order to morph it into the ZL1.

More than just the sheer power, GM says the ZL1 features technologically advanced and highly developed chassis and suspension systems that help the car deliver balanced, track-ready handling and braking power.

The Camaro cognoscenti will recognize the ZL1 name, derived from the all-aluminum racing engine of the same designation, which was developed in the late 1960s and installed into a handful of regular-production 1969 Camaros. GM says only 69 were built with the engine, which gives them iconic status among enthusiasts. (Dredging up past glories appears to be a regular thing lately for the Detroit Big Three: Chrysler, for instance, reached way back into its engine history to come up with the 392 moniker it has affixed to the 470-hp 6.4L Hemi V8 residing in the Challenger SRT8.)

For the new ZL1, the LSA 6.2L supercharged V8 (as is also found in the Corvette and Cadillac CTS-V) produces 580 hp at 6,000 rpm and 556 pound-feet of torque at 4,200 rpm, with specific features for the Camaro.

Built on GM’s all-aluminum, small-block V8 architecture, the LSA features an intercooled Eaton supercharger with four-lobe rotors and compact intercooler, heat-resistant aluminum-alloy cylinder heads and other details designed to ensure outrageous performance along with smoothness and refinement. Other components and design elements that contribute to the LSA’s performance include a deep-sump oil pan with oil cooler, high-strength hypereutectic pistons and piston oil squirters.

When fired up, the ZL1 delivers a rich baritone, thanks to the Corvette-derived dual-mode exhaust system, which alters the sound level and character in response to engine rpm.

A high-performance Tremec TR-6060 six-speed manual is standard with the LSA V8. GM says this MG9 version of the transmission has 30% more torque capacity than the SS. It is used with a dual-mass flywheel and twin-disc clutch for easier operation and shift smoothness. A new, shorter-throw shifter actuates the gear changes. Similarly, the available Hydra-Matic 6l90 automatic has been strengthened to handle the torque and horsepower.

All that power needs a more robust drivetrain to tame it and send it to the rear wheels. A stronger driveshaft and rear axle system, featuring a larger and stronger cast-iron differential housing, stronger axles and heavy-duty limited-slip differential, are all part of the package.

Equally, the suspension features completely revised tuning and the inclusion of Magnetic Ride Control. The ZL1’s Magnetic Ride system includes three settings — Tour, Sport and Track. It uses magneto-rheological technology to produce precise shock damping, which, says GM, enables body control designed for top performance in everyday driving as well as track situations. Other chassis components have been redesigned to support the car’s high-performance limits. Rear stabilizer bars have drop links repositioned outboard of the control arms, which, says GM, makes the bars more effective in controlling body roll in turns, with crisper response to driver commands.

The ZL1 will also offer Performance Traction Management (PTM) as standard equipment. First introduced on the Corvette, PTM integrates Magnetic Ride Control, launch control, traction control and electronic stability control. Five PTM performance levels are available to accommodate the given ambient and track conditions, driver experience/vehicle familiarity and driver comfort. For the hairy-chested out there, it can also be deactivated.

As for stopping and turning, the ZL1 features an advanced track-capable braking system, developed in conjunction with Brembo. The large 370-millimetre two-piece front rotors have six-piston calipers; the 365-mm rear rotors have four-piston calipers. The ZL1 also gets a new electric power steering system, a first for the Camaro.

With the car’s focus on technology and performance, serious attention is also paid to the exterior, especially aerodynamics. Major elements of the ZL1’s design are a new front fascia and hood with air extractors, designed to create aerodynamic downforce to aid handling. The car’s hood includes a signature centre section constructed of carbon fibre and finished in satin black. New rocker panels, wider tires on 20-inch wheels and exhaust tips showcase the car’s handling and power. Think of a look that shouts vehicular hooliganism.

All of the Camaro exterior colours will be offered with the ZL1, but black is the only choice for the interior. Inside, the Camaro ZL1 has heated leather seats with micro-fibre inserts and ZL1 logos embroidered on the front headrests. Micro-fibre suede is repeated as an accent on the instrument panel. Special features include six-way power driver and passenger seats, unique instrument panel and door panel inserts, ZL1 logo sill plates, steering wheel audio controls with Bluetooth capability, Boston Acoustics premium audio system, rear parking assist and a rear camera system (displayed in the inside rear-view mirror).

As if the Camaro SS in 426-hp form isn’t temptation enough, GM ups the stakes in the pony car wars with a product that it declares to be “track ready right from the showroom.” Although the über-Camaro has me screaming “Give me the car keys! NOW,” motor heads will have to wait to be corrupted. The ZL1will be available early next year.